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Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude (eXp Realty of California, Inc.)

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Ambassador
1,287,539
Jerry Newman
Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX
Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

I used to use them, but decided against them. I decide when I want to return messages. If I am going on vacation, I will forward my messages to another agent, who covers for me.

Dec 23, 2016 05:44 PM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Jeff Dowler Don't need a message. One of the advantages for working commercial real estate is we only work business hours.

Dec 23, 2016 05:45 PM
Rainmaker
5,102,824
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I don't. Even when I'm overseas, it's the usual message and I get back to people asap. My clients are made aware when I'm away and might be delayed in getting back to them due to time difference. Remainder of callers... no reason for them to know.

Dec 24, 2016 05:04 AM
Rainmaker
7,822,470
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Always available.

Dec 23, 2016 06:01 PM
Rainmaker
1,157,785
FN LN
Toronto, ON

No.  Email and voicemail are always available to take messages 24/7/365, except in a leap year when it is 24/7/366 or in cases where the system is down.

Dec 23, 2016 05:41 PM
Rainmaker
1,842,961
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Nope, never use it. It doesn't make good business sense for anyone to know we are not available. Sad but true.

Dec 24, 2016 05:29 AM
Rainmaker
1,090,037
Diana Zaccaro Broker Associate
ZOOM Realty Group - Cocoa Beach, FL
"The Accidental Blogger" Cocoa Beach, Florida

I refuse to use either...have always thought they were rude and impersonal and that other people probably feel the same.

This afternoon I received an email from a title company about a closing set for the week after New Year's and requesting certain information. I responded immediately with what they needed and promptly got an auto responder "I am out of the office until next Tuesday". Needless to say, I was not pleased...

 

Dec 23, 2016 09:45 PM
Rainer
425,952
J.R. Schloemer
Kentucky Select Properties - Louisville, KY

I do not use an auto-response. 

Dec 23, 2016 08:41 PM
Rainmaker
599,124
Nathan Gesner
American West Realty and Management - Cody, WY
Broker / Property Manager

I use a message but I check regularly during off-hours and weekends in case something of importance happens.

Dec 23, 2016 08:17 PM
Ambassador
3,167,333
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Jeff, I just let my active clients know that I'd be out of direct cell phone and text contact from Monday afternoon through this afternoon while I visited my parents in WV.  I had email access and received voicemail notification via email, so I was still able to respond to new voicemails while I was offline.  Even picked up a new buyer while I was visiting.  But I didn't just an out of office message while I was gone.  Bill

Dec 23, 2016 06:44 PM
Ambassador
5,224,095
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

I don't change my vm - someone is always available to take their call - they just have to push a button to get to them! 

Dec 23, 2016 06:31 PM
Rainmaker
564,494
Maria Sapio
Keller Williams of Central PA - Carlisle, PA
Real Estate Agent- Carlisle, PA. Mariasapio.com

I have not used the 'out of office' auto-responder ... It's fairly simple to keep on top of emails and voice messages with modern technology so if it's urgent,  I will respond asap. 

Dec 23, 2016 05:47 PM
Rainmaker
3,626,530
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

I'm always available  except between 9PM to round 4AM

Dec 24, 2016 04:32 AM
Ambassador
2,430,413
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I don't use them during normal times or vacations. If I was actually going to somewhere where I could not be reached (the middle of the ocean without any satellite communications), then I would leave a message with information on how to get assistance during my absence.

Dec 24, 2016 03:05 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Our receptionist answers all calls live 24/7/365

Dec 24, 2016 02:38 AM
Rainmaker
4,327,018
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

With today's technology, we are always available!

Dec 24, 2016 01:37 AM
Rainmaker
4,272,536
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

 No I am pretty much connected all the time ....

Dec 23, 2016 11:18 PM
Rainmaker
710,515
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

Great question! Most agents in our brokerage use these to let clients know who is covering their business while they are out of town.

Dec 23, 2016 09:14 PM
Rainmaker
969,548
Frank Rubi
Frank Rubi Real Estate, LLC - Metairie, LA
FrankRubiRealEstate.com

I do not use, I always connected. 

Dec 23, 2016 09:00 PM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

I think that auto-responders are a thing of the past and basically a commodity.

Dec 23, 2016 06:45 PM
Rainmaker
1,435,300
Yolanda Cordova-Gilbert
Richmond, TX

Yes I leave that on my email and my phone tells them my days off and sometimes I really am not available but I take time for me If I do not respect my time no one else will!

Dec 23, 2016 05:48 PM
Rainmaker
665,939
AJ Heidmann ~ CRS
McEnearney Associates, Inc. - Alexandria, VA
YOUR Alexandria & Arlington, VA Real Estate Expert

Jeff - The only time I would use those are if I was out of the country and might not be able to make a timely response.  However, I would direct that call/email to who ever was covering my business to make sure it was addressed.

Dec 26, 2016 10:54 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,252
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I am allmost always available.

Dec 24, 2016 10:28 PM
Ambassador
2,682,719
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

I check email regularly.  If my cell phone is off (or busy) it goes to voice mail.  I don't use auto-responders or out of office messages.

Dec 24, 2016 06:21 PM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I will, if I will be unavailable for a day or longer.

Dec 24, 2016 05:11 PM
Ambassador
6,380,446
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

No time for special messages, they can always leave a message and I will get back to them when the time is right.

Dec 24, 2016 04:40 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

If I am out of the country I do but otherwise I let it go to voicemail and I retrieve it when I can.

Dec 24, 2016 03:49 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Jeff Dowler - usually, no. I let most of my clients know I am not around.

Dec 24, 2016 03:24 PM
Ambassador
3,343,466
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

While I am not always available ... I do check vm and email.  I do not want to advertise that I am taking a day or a weekend.  I am responsive and responsible with getting back to people. 

Dec 24, 2016 02:12 PM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

I don't use an auto responder for anything.  

Dec 24, 2016 11:03 AM
Rainmaker
1,501,618
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Always available.  Not a fan of OOO messages and I hate recording voicemails.

Dec 24, 2016 10:51 AM
Ambassador
2,176,071
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Pretty much always available unless I'm on an airplane.

Dec 24, 2016 10:26 AM
Rainer
2,315
johnny nunez
Weichert Realtors - East Brunswick, NJ
I specialize selling homes in Middlesex County

always available

Dec 24, 2016 09:54 AM
Rainmaker
899,018
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

I am generally reachable if I want to be reached; don't use a special out of office message.

Dec 24, 2016 09:11 AM
Rainmaker
4,566,354
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

I don't find the need to use an "out of office" message - I find most people are reasonable with their expectations.    

Dec 24, 2016 08:52 AM
Rainmaker
4,924,982
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

It depends, if I am in a meeting for  more then 2 hours I change my recording.

 

Dec 24, 2016 08:27 AM
Rainmaker
1,724,986
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Always available

Dec 24, 2016 07:56 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,470
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Jeff,

No, we do not.  We are not available, but we don't like the idea of broadcasting it to the cyber village. A

Dec 24, 2016 07:45 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

No

Dec 24, 2016 07:15 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

every team member is ALWAYS available....never a message like that on anyone's voicemail...

Dec 24, 2016 06:42 AM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

I have a message stating I will call them back at specific times

Dec 24, 2016 06:40 AM
Rainmaker
2,779,653
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Available from 7 am to 7 pm 7 days a week until I am not

Dec 24, 2016 06:39 AM
Rainmaker
5,205,974
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Always available comes to mind unless I am with a client, then they get voice mail!

Dec 24, 2016 06:12 AM
Rainmaker
988,852
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

I used to use an OOO but no longer - I have an answering service now

Dec 24, 2016 06:07 AM
Rainmaker
757,335
Peter Testa
Nationwide Homes - Danbury, CT
PETER TESTA

I decided against using an 'out of office' message while away. I'd rather not advertise that I am vacation when I can review messages & return calls & emails on my own time frame. 

Dec 24, 2016 05:53 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,022
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

No, i am always available even when i am not available. When i go away, i may change my outgoing message to add my email for quicker replies. 

Dec 24, 2016 05:20 AM
Rainer
149,000
Jim Joeriman
Coldwell Banker Riviera Realty, Inc - Lacey Township, NJ
Helping Agents Reach New Heights

I do not use auto-responders.  I hate it when I receive them, so I figure others do too.  Often the message is a no brained.

Dec 24, 2016 05:15 AM
Rainmaker
1,193,235
Peter Mohylsky, Beach Expert
PMI. Destin - Miramar Beach, FL
Call me at 850-517-7098

I always pick up or respond as soon as possible. 

Dec 24, 2016 03:55 AM